When you sit down and list all the health conditions you've developed as a result of your service, it can be an overwhelming moment. Many veterans look at that list and feel a sense of guilt or hesitation about lodging a claim with so many different issues.
If you feel this way, it is important you hear this message. Not only is it okay to have a complex case, it is completely normal.
Why your claim is "Complex"
A career in the ADF is physically and mentally demanding. It is incredibly rare for a veteran to leave with just one single, isolated injury. The reality is that service-related conditions are often interconnected.
A service-related back injury rarely stays just a back injury. Over time, it can lead to issues with your hips and knees from a changed gait. The chronic pain from that initial injury can then understandably lead to struggles with mental health.
This is not "making things up" or complicating the issue. It is the real, cascading impact of service on a person's health.
DVA is designed to see the whole picture
You should know that a DVA delegate is never surprised to receive a claim with multiple conditions. The system, particularly under the MRCA legislation, is designed to assess "whole of person impairment." It is built to look at the total impact of service on your life.
What the DVA needs to see is a clear and logical case for each condition. They are not judging you for the number of conditions you have. They are assessing the evidence you provide for each one.
A complex claim is not a sign of weakness or complaint. It is an honest reflection of a complex and demanding career.
The strategic advantage of a comprehensive claim
Instead of being a weakness, lodging claims for multiple related conditions can actually be a strategic advantage. It allows you to present DVA with a full and interconnected picture of how your service has impacted your overall health.
This is especially crucial when it comes to Permanent Impairment (PI) assessments. The combined effect of several conditions is often greater than the sum of their individual parts. Presenting them together can lead to a more accurate impairment rating and, ultimately, a higher level of support.
The key is management not simplification
The goal should never be to over-simplify your reality to make a claim seem less complex. The goal is to manage the complexity with expertise.
This is where an expert advocate becomes essential. Our job is to take your complex reality and translate it into a clear, organised, and legally-sound submission that DVA can process efficiently. We build a logical narrative, ensure the evidence for each condition is strong, and manage the entire process so that you do not have to.
You should never feel guilty or hesitate to claim for the full impact that service has had on your life. If you have a complex case and are unsure where to begin, contact us. We specialise in managing complex claims and achieving the best possible outcomes for our veterans.
